A Time to Reflect

We reflect on this past week when my daughter-in-law's father, Mr. Clemente, left this earth suddenly and unexpectedly at the young age of 58. Though death is a reality for all of us, we are somehow never prepared for such a shocking moment in time.

Death brings life into perspective. We long remember all the wonderful memories of our lost ones. Mr. Clemente's family summarized his life as a man who loved and valued his family more than anything ~ and he did! For all his accomplishments, love of family was the utmost.

Death causes us to reflect for a moment. Many times we see how precious and short life really is on earth and we promise to accomplish or change something in our lives, just like we do on New Year's Eve. But then life's reality moves on and no matter how painful our loss we lose sight of that moment and we get caught up in the details, work and emotions of life. And the reflection is lost and change often does not happen.

During Mr. Clemente's funeral my son read from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2: "There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die..." As I reflected on that scripture and read further into Ecclesiastes, I noticed the author ended the book with "Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad."

The Bible lists the ten commandments in Deuteronomy 5, which begins with loving/worshiping our God with all our heart, mind and soul "not worshiping any other god besides Him" and then in John 13:34, Jesus said "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

So, when we reflect on the death of a loved one, what really matters in life? The new job/title, the new car or house? The hurt feelings of what he/she said? Hanging on to anger or bitterness because we're right and they are wrong? OR, is it cherishing each moment we have on this earth as if it is the last and following God's commands ~ to love Him with all of our heart, soul and mind and to love one another? Because when we keep our focus on Him we are able to live at peace and be pleasing to our Maker. And like the scripture read at Mr. Clemente's funeral, 2 Timothy 4, Paul says ... "As for me, ... I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing."

While we live our lives today, I encourage us all to remember the precious reality and focus on what really matters at the end!

Resource: 1 Corinthians 13 (LOVE described)

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God's love and blessings!
From the Heart, Christian Life Coach